This study examines the effect of finance on energy efficiency in Africa, addressing two fundamental empirical issues in the energy-finance literature (1) simultaneous modelling of efficiency estimates and determinants of efficiency and (2) two-way endogeneity problem with income and financial depth. I apply the endogenous stochastic frontier method. Life expectancy at birth instruments for income while religion, latitude of capital city and legal system origin instrument for financial depth. Estimated efficiency in electricity consumption is between 9 and 16%, which is quite low, suggesting greater potential to improve electricity consumption efficiency. Without considering the level of development, the result shows that finding a statistically significant negative effect of financial depth on energy inefficiency depends on the choice of instrument and not the indicator of financial depth. Using country latitude and legal system origin as instruments produce robust statistically significant negative effect for all the indicators of financial depth, but high monetisation of the economy and supply of loanable funds exert the greatest effect, recommending between 0.069 and 0.096% reduction in inefficiency for every 1% increase in these indicators. However, both the choice of instruments and indicator of financial depth matter, when I consider income level. I discuss the policy implications.This research looked at the effects of COVID-19 on a number of the world's most important stock exchanges, as well as the empirical relation between the COVID-19 wave and stock market volatility. In order to plan proper portfolio diversification in international financial markets, researchers must examine COVID-19 anxiety in relation to stock market volatility. The stock market volatility connected with the COVID-19 pandemic was measured using AR(1)-GARCH(1,1). COVID-19 fear, according to our research, is the ultimate driver of public attention and stock market volatility. https://www.selleckchem.com/products/pf-07321332.html The findings show that throughout the pandemic, stock market performance and GDP growth both declined significantly due to average increases. Furthermore, a 1% increase in COVID-19 causes a 0.8% and 0.56% decline in stock return and GDP, respectively. The stock market, on the other hand, showed a slight movement in GDP growth. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic reported cases index, death index, and global panic index all influenced public perceptions of purchasing and selling. As a result, rather than investing in stocks, it is recommended that you invest in gold. The research also makes policy recommendations for important stakeholders. We look to examine how stock returns respond dynamically to unanticipated changes in the COVID-19 scenarios, as well as the uncertainty that comes with a pandemic. Using daily data from Canada and the USA, we conclude that a spike in COVID-19 instances has a negative impact on the stock market in general. Furthermore, in both the increase and decline scenarios in Canada, the stock return reactions are asymmetric. The disparity is due to the unfavorable impact of the pandemic's unpredictability. We also discovered that uncertainty had a negative impact on the US stock market. The magnitude, however, is insignificant.Honghu Lake, the largest shallow lake in Jianghan Plain of China, is essential for maintaining ecosystem functioning in this region. However, water pollution and high disturbance are seriously threatening the ecological security of this lake. To explore the causes of water quality fluctuations in Honghu Lake, the water quality index method (CCME-WQI), multivariate statistical, and source apportionment techniques were adopted to characterize temporal trends in lake water quality (2004-2017), identify the main driving factors of water quality indicators, and quantify the contribution of various pollution sources. Besides, the water periods of the lake have been reclassified due to the seasonal variation of rainfall in the study area. The results of CCME-WQI showed that the water quality in Honghu Lake initially improved over 2004-2011, with better water quality in the wet period than in the dry periods, while the results over 2012-2017 were found to be opposite. Correlation analysis identified untreated industr cfu L-1, respectively. Based on the results of APCS-MLR, it was predicted that the concentrations of COD and TP in Honghu Lake would meet the water quality requirements after 2017. However, the rainfall non-point source pollution must be further controlled to achieve the desired level of TN concentration. This study provided an accurate method for analyzing lake water pollution, and the results can provide a valuable reference for optimizing water quality management and pollution control strategies within Honghu Lake.Background Healthcare professionals (HCPs) such as pharmacists, general practitioners and practice nurses are a trusted source of vaccines information for patients in primary care. Global regulators have highlighted the key role of HCPs in fostering confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. Objective This study aims to gain insight into the views and experiences of HCPs on providing vaccines information to patients. Setting Primary care general practice surgeries and community pharmacies in Ireland. Methods Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 HCPs (five General practitioners [GPs], four practice nurses and five community pharmacists) identified through purposive and convenience sampling. The interviews were analysed by inductive thematic analysis. Main outcome measure Participants' views and experiences of providing vaccines information to patients. Results Five key themes were identified roles and responsibilities, perception of risk, perception of the public, building a relationship, and emotion. HCPs were motivated by duty and care for their patients. They respected patient autonomy and were driven by their concern for public health. HCPs were influenced by their perception of risk and their perceptions of the public. HCPs practiced patient-centred care by providing tailored vaccines information. They favoured an approach of providing patients with information and support to make their own decision. The topic was emotive; HCPs empathised with patients but were also frustrated by their perceived inability to change some patients' views. Conclusion The provision of vaccines information by HCPs to patients is multifactorial with participants mindful of patient autonomy and the HCP role to support vaccinations as a public health priority. Participants suggested that education and support on vaccines communication would enable them to support the vaccines uptake in their practice.